To the editor:

You will find written in II Chronicles 7:13-14 the direct words of God:

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain; or command the locusts to devour the land or send a plague (the coronavirus?) among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, 1) will humble themselves and 2) pray and 3) seek my face and 4) turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

Do you think that maybe God has allowed this virus to get our attention? Maybe it is a wake-up call for the whole world?

Most people will say, “Why has the Lord pronounced all this great disaster against us? Or what is our iniquity? Or what is our sin that we have committed against the Lord our God?” (Jeremiah 16:10) The Bible answers, “Does He who disciplines nations not punish?” (Psalm 94:10)

Mankind has one basic flaw in their reasoning: “Everyone did as he saw fit.” (Judges 21:25) It all began with Eve: “It looks good to me! I’m definitely smarter than God!”

And the nations are no different than individuals. We all want “to do our own thing” and ignore God and His laws. We push God out of the house, and then are surprised at the consequences. We find ourselves sitting in a pigpen of our own making and want to question God’s goodness?

Our hope is based on God’s compassion and mercy. “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23) He promises, “…call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.” (Psalms 50:51)

So if you have time to worry, you have time to pray. Replace worry with prayer. It’s not just for Sundays anymore. Read your Bible; get to know Him and the Savior, His son, Jesus Christ.

“Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalms 62:8)

Jan Tucker
Oakville